Lorries on motorways are a step closer to accelerating, braking
and steering in sync through wireless technology, thanks to £8.1m
government funding for trials announced today, Friday 25 August
2017.
The "platooning" trials will see up to three heavy goods
vehicles, travelling in convoy, with acceleration and braking
controlled by the lead vehicle. All lorries in the platoon will
always have a driver ready to take control at any time.
If successful, this technology could have major benefits for
motorists and businesses in the UK. A row of lorries driving
closer together could see the front truck pushing the air out of
the way, making the vehicles in the convoy more efficient,
lowering emissions and improving air quality.
Transport Minister said:
"We are investing in technology that will improve people's lives.
"Advances such as lorry platooning could benefit businesses
through cheaper fuel bills and other road users thanks to lower
emissions and less congestion."
"But first we must make sure the technology is safe and works
well on our roads, and that's why we are investing in these
trials."
The Transport Research Laboratory will carry out the trial, with
funding provided by the Department for Transport and Highways
England. It follows a government-funded feasibility study which
recommended a trial to examine the benefits and viability of
platooning.
Jim O'Sullivan, Highways England Chief Executive, said:
"We are pleased to be supporting the Government's ambition for
the UK to be a global leader for innovation.
"The trial has the potential to demonstrate how greater
automation of vehicles, in this instance, HGVs, can deliver
improvements in safety, better journeys for road users and
reduction in vehicle emissions.
"Investing in this research shows we care about those using our
roads, the economy and the environment, and safety will be
integral as we take forward this work with TRL."
The trial will be carried out in three phases, with the first
focusing on the potential for platooning on the UK???s major
roads. Initial test track based research will help decide details
such as distance between vehicles and on which roads the
tests could take place.
Trials are expected on major roads by the end of 2018. Each phase
of the testing will only begin when there is robust evidence
that it can be done safely.
Similar trials have already been successfully carried out in
Europe and the United States.
Rob Wallis, Chief Executive, TRL said:
"The UK has an unprecedented opportunity to lead the world in
trialling connected vehicle platoons in a real-world environment.
"TRL and its consortium of leading international partners, have
the practical and technical knowledge gained from previous
projects to understand what is required to put a connected
vehicle platoon on to UK roads safely.
"The team are now taking that expertise and uniquely applying it
within live traffic operations".
